The cool autumn air blew lightly through the trees, making the multi-colored leaves rustle harmoniously. Skye lay in the grass, his hands folded gently over his closed eyes as he listened quietly to the sounds of nature around him. He shifted slightly, causing the leaves beneath him to crunch. He brought his hands to rest behind his head. He looked up at the starless sky. He could feel the dampness in the air and knew it was just a matter of time before it rained. Vigilant, he looked around. He was alone. There wasn't a sign of another person anywhere near where he was. Of course, this was typical. Not many people ever came to the cemetery after 5 o'clock. He sat up, so that he was facing the headstone of the grave he had been laying on top of; the words were carved perfectly into the black marble-like stone,
Andrew Teryant and Andrea Teryant
Died January 23, 1998
Devoted Friends, Family and Parents…
Skye pulled himself to his feet, one hand using the headstone as support. Before he walked away, he glanced back at the headstone one last time before going down the stone paved path to the cemetery gates. He threw his backpack over his shoulder as he walked. It was after-hours and the gate was locked so he had to walk along the fence where the older headstones lay until he reached the corner where there was a small open. It was just big enough for him to squeeze through. He brushed his auburn hair out of his face as he ran down an ally near the cemetery. As he neared the end of the alleyway, he sat down against the cold brick wall. He had to think. There was so much going through his head. Where was he going to go now? Would Jane flip out once she knew he was gone? Probably not, though Carly had said she was going to call the police, Skye doubted that she would. She most likely wouldn't even report him missing unless by chance a CPS worker checked in. She would god-be-damned if she lost her monthly check because of him.
He opened his backpack and pulled out a black sweater. It was starting to get colder so he pulled the sweater over his head and buried his hands into the front pockets. He leaned his head back to rest against the wall and closed his eyes. I'm royally fucked… he placed his backpack between his legs and wrapped his arms around it. He closed his eyes as he felt tears begin to form… why did his life have to be so horrible—so unfair?
"Emalyn, where the fuck is my book?" E-an shouted as he walked into the study. He was agitated and crossed his arms as he leaned up against the doorjamb. Emalyn was sitting by the fire, her legs hanging over the arm of a brocade-upholstered love seat, her eyes intently perusing over the words of the old book in her lap.
Sounding even more annoyed, "Did you hear me?" he asked walking into the study. She rolled her eyes and looked up at him. "Did you look in your room?" she asked placing a long finger in the book to hold her place.
"Of course I fucking did, but that's not what I asked. Have you seen it?" he snapped. “Stop being a bitch.”
She took in a deep breath before closing her book, standing up, and smoothing out the wrinkles on her knee-length black silk dress. "Watch your temper," she said as she walked over to the nearby bookshelf that was lined with old leather bond volumes. "Here," she said pulling out a small brownish colored book from the shelf. "Next time pay attention to where you leave things."
E-an rolled his eyes as he brushed his blonde hair out of his face. "I'm really not in the mood to argue with you," he said taking the book from her and placing it under his arm. She smiled, running her hand gently across E-an's back. "Aw, come on little brother, lighten up," she said sweetly, before taking a seat in one of the chairs at the table in the center of the room.
"I really don't have time for this," he said standing in front of the full-length mirror on the other side of the study. His long blonde hair was just a few inches from touching his shoulders and his long bangs hid his emerald colored eyes. He twirled a strand of his hair between two long fingers as he studied his reflection in the mirror. Emalyn walked over to her brother, wrapping her arms around his waist and placing her chin on his shoulder.
"Your hair is getting long," she whispered softly into his ear as she took the strand from his fingers and smiled. "I like it better this way."
"Eh, it's alright." He answered nudging her away.
She looked at him and crossed her arms over his chest. "You know I wish you wouldn't act like such a prick."
A smirk appeared on his lips and he looked at her. "But I much enjoy being a prick," he said before walking out of the room and closing the door behind him.
"Jerk," Emalyn said under her breath as she went back towards her chair by the fireplace.
E-an grabbed his long black coat from the closet and put it on quickly, placing the book in his pocket as he buttoned up.
"Are you leaving, sir?" Arden asked appearing from the kitchen into the foyer.
When E-an had finished with the buttons he looked up at the old man standing in front of him. "Yes, I have to return this book to the library." he answered patting the book in his pocket.
"If you would like me to, I can do that for you, sir” he said eyeing the book.
"That's alright Arden," E-an said as he turned to open the front door. "I could use the fresh air."
"So be it, sir," Arden answered as he bowed slightly and walked towards the study. E-an watched him until he had disappeared into the room before shutting the front door and stepping out on to the portico. He hurried down the steps to his car. He could feel raindrops beginning to fall as he climbed into the car and drove away from the house.
The light drops of rain awoke Skye from an uneasy sleep. “Shit.” He looked up at the sky and felt raindrops hit his face. "Perfect, just my luck," he mumbled pulling his sweater tighter around him. He shivered as he put his backpack behind him so it wouldn't get wet. He glanced over toward opening of the alley, where there was a dim glow from the street lamp. He took a deep breath. His body felt cramped from the chill and dampness as he struggled to his feet. He headed toward the light at the end of the alley. He heard the sound of an approaching car and then the screech of brakes as it came to halt. He then heard the sound of the car door opened and shut. Hearing the sound of footsteps Skye cautiously peered around the corner of the building to see the driver. He watched as a blonde haired young man ran up the steps of the public library and dropped a book into the night deposit box before running back down the steps. Skye went to take a step back so as not to be seen, tipping over a trashcan that was behind him. It made a loud clattering noise.
E-an stopped in his tracks, startled by the noise, and looked over at the alley. "Is someone there?" He asked, his voice taking on an authoritative tone.
Skye closed his eyes for a second. Damn it, why did he have to go and do something so stupid? E-an strode toward the alley, his hand slowly reaching into his back pocket for his pocketknife. "If someone is down there, show yourself," he commanded.
Skye let a heavy sigh and stepped out of the alley. His hands were shaking as he held tightly to the strap of his backpack. E-an looked at the dark haired teenager and let out a relieved sigh. "Shouldn't you be at home or something?" he asked placing the knife back into his pocket. Skye didn't answer, he just stared down at the sidewalk, not too sure how or what to say. E-an rolled his eyes getting annoyed, "Well?" he demanded.
Skye looked up at him with trepidation as he fidgeted with the strap. "I don't have a home anymore," Skye answered nervously.
E-an studied the trembling teenager and noticed the backpack. "What are you? Some kind of runaway?"
"I guess you can say that," Skye answered as he walked over to the steps of the library and sat down.
E-an walked over to his car, then turning to the kid said, “Well then why don't you do something smart and go back home? I'm sure your parents are worried about you."
"My parents are dead," Skye replied looking up at the blonde haired young man. It was the first time he had ever really said that sentence aloud to anyone, and it yanked at his heartstrings to say it. "I live with foster parents and I… I can't… I c-can’t go back."
E-an watched the teen as he shivered from the cold. He couldn't help but feel sorry for him. "What's your name?" E-an asked as he went and sat beside the shivering boy.
"Skye."
"I'm E-an." He answered holding out his hand. Skye looked at E-an then reached out a trembling hand to shake it. Skye's hands were freezing cold. E-an realized he couldn’t just let this runaway stay out here in the cold, besides, it was raining. He stood up and took his coat off, wrapping it around Skye's shoulders. "There that should keep you warm," he said as he walked towards his car and opened the driver's side door. Skye held the coat tightly around his shoulders; it smelled of sweet expensive cologne. He watched E-an as he got into his car and rolled down the passenger window. "Well, are you going to sit there all night in the rain or are you coming?"
Skye looked at E-an, shocked. Was he taking him in? Should he go? Could he really trust a stranger he had just met? Fuck it, it beat staying out in the cold and pouring rain. Skye rose to his feet, walked over to the car, and got in. E-an started the car, then reached over and turned the heat on for his shivering passenger.
"Thank you," Skye whispered softly as they pulled away from the library.
"I couldn't possibly leave you out in the rain, I'm not that heartless," E-an replied.
The drive to the old house in the country was done in silence. When they reached the front gates, E-an typed his password on a keypad. Seconds later, the metal gates swung opened and he drove through. Silhouetted against the night sky, Skye observed the gnarled branches of the many old trees that lined the driveway, which ended at a large manor house. A spot light came on and illuminated the beautiful flowers that grew along the side of the front steps and on around the house. Much of the manor’s façade was covered with ivy that had climbed its way up the sides of the house over the years. E-an got out of the car and walked over to the front steps, he watched as Skye closed the car door and looked up at the house astonished. "You live here?" he asked.
"My whole life," E-an answered as he walked up the steps, "Come on let's get you out of those wet clothes." Skye followed E-an into the house. Skye was taken aback as he stood in beautifully tiled foyer with a huge crystal chandelier overhead. E-an then took the wide-eyed teenager up a staircase with a highly polished banister and led him down a hallway to the very last room. "You can stay in here," he said opening the door and standing aside. The room was spacious with a red-lace canopied ebony bed. Long black satin curtains covered the ceiling high windows. Most of the furniture was ornately carved mahogany, and it looked as if it was a hundred years old.
Skye sat on the edge of the bed as E-an walked over to another door and opened it, flicking on a light. "Bathroom," he said. He went over to a massive dresser and pulled out some clothes. "Here," he said walking over to Skye and placing the clothes in his hands. “These should fit.”
"Thank you, again." Skye whispered, looking up at E-an and then down at the clothes in his hands.
"Don't worry about it, come find me down stairs when you're done dressing and we'll see about getting you something to eat." He then walked out of the room, pulling the door closed.
Skye smiled as he glanced around the opulent room, and then walked into the bathroom to change his clothing.
"So, a little birdie told me about this boy you brought home." Emalyn said smiling at her brother as she met him at the bottom of the stairs.
E-an rolled his eyes and brushed past her. "I couldn't leave him out in the rain; he didn't have anywhere to go," he answered as headed toward the kitchen.
Her smiled widened as she followed him. "My god, it's a miracle, my brother does have a heart," she said teasingly.
"Will you stop giving me grief on this, I'm sure you'd have done the same thing," he answered.
Moments later, Arden walked into the kitchen. "Is there something you need, sir?" he asked bowing.
"Yes, can you make a light meal for me. Something simple, but preferably warm," E-an said as he walked over to the counter. Arden, because of the lateness of the hour, looked at E-an confused but did as he was told.
Emalyn walked over to where her brother stood. "So is he cute?" she asked raising her eyebrow.
He shook his head as he pulled himself up so that he was sitting upon the counter. "I don't know. Anyway, it doesn't even matter."
She chuckled. "I'm taking that as a yes. So when do I get to meet your new little boy-toy?" she asked taking a seat at the kitchen table.
E-an clenched his fists. "He is not my boy-toy," he snapped.
"Mhm, we'll see."
A few moments later, Skye stepped into the kitchen. He was wearing the clothes E-an had given him. Emalyn studied the teenager then looked at her brother and smiled. "Hello dear," she said walking over to Skye and greeting him warmly. "I'm Emalyn, I'm E-an's older sister, but you can call me Em." She said holding out her hand.
Skye shook her hand and smiled sheepishly. "Nice to meet you, I'm Skye."
Arden came back into the dinning room with a tray and placed it on the table. "There you are, sir," he said looking at E-an.
E-an nodded at the butler and dismissed him. "Here," he said to Skye as he pulled the chair away from the table. "You're probably starving," motioning for the teenager to sit down.
Skye did as directed, and took the offered chair. On the table was a turkey sandwich on toast and a steaming bowl of tomato soup. "Thank you," Skye said as he hungrily took a bite of the sandwich.
Emalyn intently watched her brother sitting in the chair across from Skye. "Well boys, I have some things I need to do, so I shall leave you two alone," she said smiling at her brother before exiting the dinning room.
E-an shook his head annoyed with his sister and he started playing with one of the candles on the table.
"So how long have you been living here?" Skye asked as he finished his sandwich.
The blonde cleared his throat, "Like I said outside, I've lived in this house my whole life."
"How come I've never seen you before? I've lived in this area a majority of my life as well," Skye asked as he started on the soup.
E-an smiled. "I don't get out much."
"Oh…"
E-an stretched and yawned before rising to his feet. He glanced at the clock on the mantle, it was almost 4 a.m. "Well, like my sister, I have things I must do as well… you know where your room is," he stated as he glanced at Skye.
"Oh, yeah, alright. I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," Skye answered as he finished the soup.
E-an nodded his head and left the dinning room. Skye watched until he was gone, then stood up and made his way back up the stairs. He couldn't believe how beautiful the house was. When he got back to the room, he shut the door and lay in the enormous bed. He was glad he had met E-an. He was grateful he had taken him in, but what worried him was, how long was it going to last until he was back on the streets?
